A beautifully glazed holiday ham is a Christmas tradition that fills the home with warmth, sweetness, and irresistible aroma. This Honey Glazed Ham is a classic centerpiece—juicy on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and infused with a festive blend of honey, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices. Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or preparing a special family dinner, this recipe delivers show-stopping flavor with very little effort. With simple steps and a homemade glaze that shines like glass, this ham guarantees compliments at your Christmas table.

Duration / Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 glazed spiral ham (8–10 lbs)

Ingredients

For the Ham

  • 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (8–10 lbs)
  • 1 cup water or apple cider (for roasting pan)

For the Honey Glaze

  • 1 cup honey
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or orange juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but traditional)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Place the spiral ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
  3. Add 1 cup of water or apple cider to keep the ham moist during baking.
  4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 2: Warm the Ham

  1. Bake the ham covered for about 10 minutes per pound (typically 60–90 minutes).
  2. This warms the ham without drying it out—avoid overheating since spiral hams are precooked.

Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
    • honey
    • brown sugar
    • butter
    • Dijon mustard
    • apple cider vinegar or orange juice
    • spices and pepper
  2. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Tip: If the glaze is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water. If too thin, simmer 1–2 extra minutes.

Step 4: Glaze the Ham

  1. Remove foil and brush a generous amount of glaze over the warm ham.
  2. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 20–30 minutes, glazing every 7–10 minutes.

Best Practice: Use a silicone brush for even coating, and let glaze drip between the spiral slices so the flavor seeps inside.

  1. Turn on the broiler.
  2. Broil the ham for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully.
  3. Remove as soon as the top is bubbly and caramelized.

Warning: Do not walk away while broiling—sugar burns quickly!

Step 6: Rest & Serve

  1. Let ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Spoon pan drippings over slices for extra shine and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 325
  • Protein: 29g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 1120mg

Conclusion

This Honey Glazed Ham delivers everything you want in a Christmas main dish—rich sweetness, tender slices, and a glossy finish that looks beautiful on any holiday table. The homemade glaze brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and gently spiced flavors, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether served with classic sides like scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables or paired with lighter fresh salads, this ham is sure to become a Christmas tradition your family will look forward to year after year. Enjoy every festive, flavorful bite!

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